Leigh Leopards sign Australia forward exempt from Super League's quota rules

Leigh Leopards have completed their latest signing for 2025 in the shape of forward Ethan O'Neill. The Australian has signed for the Leopards on a two-year contract to become the latest addition to Adrian Lam's squad for the upcoming season.

O'Neill is the son of Julian O'Neill, the former Queensland representative who spent several years in Super League representing Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings, Wakefield Trinity and Leigh.

As for Ethan, he was born in Australia but spent time in the UK as a youngster. As a result of that, he is believed to be exempt from the Super League quota rules, given he played the sport during his time in the country.

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During his own playing career, the 25-year-old has made 70 appearances across the Queensland and New South Wales Cup competitions. He represented Burleigh Bears this season and last year he won the New South Wales Cup with South Sydney Rabbitohs' reserve grade side, scoring in their Grand Final victory over North Sydney Bears.

“I’m real excited about coming to Leigh and joining a club that’s building something special," he said. “I can’t wait to meet all the staff and players and especially the fans! It’s a massive opportunity for me to come over and show everyone what sort of person and player I am.”

Head of Rugby Chris Chester added: “Ethan is an edge back-rower who has played a lot of Queensland Cup and NSW Cup games in the past few seasons. It was important to bring depth to the back-row after the departure of Kai O’Donnell and I am looking forward to seeing how Ethan integrates into the squad.”

Leigh now have two players exempt from the quota rulings now. The other is halfback Lachlan Lam.

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